Mr. Evgeny Mokeev, Chairperson,
Xavier Guerin and Jean-Claude Schneuwly, Vice-Chairpersons of the Inland
Transport Committee
The UNECE reform has reaffirmed the high priority given to its transport
sector. One of these
priorities is related to border crossing – an important aspect of trade
facilitation. People and
goods should be able to circulate easily throughout the region. This problem
is a typical issue to
be dealt with in the context of a multilateral organization like the UNECE.
In that context we
have to deal not only with border controls and procedures but also with
interoperability issues,
particularly in rail transport, including technical standards and key transport
documents that vary
from one country to another and from one grouping of countries to another.
Activities related to legal instruments which constitute the strength and
the fame of the UNECE will be pursued and reinforced, in particular
the conventions related to the transport of
dangerous goods, international road and rail transport, road safety
and technology of vehicles.
Another area that has a high priority is the collaboration with the
environment and health
sectors in the context of the Transport, Health and Environment Pan
European Programme (THE
PEP), which the UNECE reform has placed in the forefront of our concerns.
This programme is
financed through voluntary contributions and it is expected that
participation will increase.
The development of the transport infrastructure between Europe and
Asia is going to become
an important element of our work. It will mean the further development
of such projects as the
Trans European Motorway (TEM) and the Trans European Railway (TER)
projects. We will also
promote cooperation among countries in the Euro-Asian region for
the sound development of
Euro-Asian transport links. The UNECE has a very wide experience
in this context, especially in
paving the way for the development of the famous corridors. We
need to examine the criteria that
should be used for financing, and evaluate the locations where
the huge amount of money needed
for these corridors should be invested. In this context, our role will
also be to coordinate efforts
and make sure that the investments are used well.
Another problem which we will have to deal with is the security
problems of inland
transport. While many efforts have been made in air and maritime
transport, security matters
have not progressed at the same pace in the field of inland transport.
As it did with safety in
tunnels, the UNECE will have to focus on taking stock of the
work done so far and on preparing
recommendations to UNECE Governments.
Finally, the UNECE will have to take a broader view of transport
problems. The technical
approach to transport issues needs to be put in the context
of transport strategies as a whole.